Begin a Node.js site launch
A Node.js site can be launched on its own or as part of a decoupled site launch.
Prerequisites
- Many of the steps for launching a site require a user to have at minimum an Org member role or an App write role for that application. Only users with an Organization (Org) admin role in an organization’s VIP Dashboard have the ability to invite new users or edit user roles.
- Complete the steps outlined in Prepare for launch before beginning a site launch.
- If the site will be launched with a reverse proxy, ensure that the steps to configure a reverse proxy have been reviewed.
Preparation for decoupled launches
If the Node.js site loads content from a WordPress site (a.k.a., “decoupled” or “headless”), the WordPress site should be launched first. It is recommended to launch the WordPress site several days before the Node.js site to allow for testing and any necessary adjustments.
- Try to complete any necessary database imports or media file imports to the WordPress site before beginning the launch steps. Limitations on database import file sizes are more strict on launched sites.
- The WordPress site must be launched with a unique custom domain.
Launch the WordPress backend site
- Complete the tasks outlined in “Prepare for launch” for the WordPress site.
- For WordPress single sites, begin a single site launch. For WordPress multisites, begin a network site launch.
- Complete the launch of the WordPress backend site by testing that the site works as expected and is reachable at the new custom domain.
After launching the WordPress site, update the Node.js site to load content from the new custom domain. Allow several days for testing and any necessary adjustments before launching the Node.js site.
Launch a Node.js site
If the Node.js site is part of a decoupled site, complete the preparation steps for decoupled launches before launching the Node.js site.
- Complete the tasks outlined in “Prepare for launch” for the Node.js site.
- When ready to launch the Node.js site, point the domain’s DNS to VIP.
- After DNS is fully propagated, install a TLS certificate for the domain:
- Let’s Encrypt is available by default for all domains.
- Custom TLS certificates installed earlier will be available and working immediately when a site is launched.
- Notify VIP Support that the site has launched, so that they can adjust monitoring and alerting for the site.
Last updated: March 11, 2024